Dear Wonderful Lovejoy Community:
All of us have a gap. It exists in our lives from where we are today to the possibility of where we could be tomorrow. It is called the Potential Gap.
Every child, every teammate, every person we influence and impact, has the Potential Gap. We have a responsibility to not only work on closing the gap for ourselves each and every day, but to support, encourage and develop those around us to help close theirs.
I am reminded of the time, a few years ago, at my son Brock’s Senior Night for his football team. It was certainly an exciting night, with a big win! I found it to be a time of reflection, and yes, I did have a couple of tears in my eyes. As I stood next to him, a 230 pound/6’5” man, and his mom, I reflected back to a powerful conversation he and I had during his 7th grade year.
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To share some background, I am competitive by nature. I want to win. Now, I don’t have a crazy unhealthy imbalance when it comes to winning, but I hate losing more than I love winning. That competitive spirit has served me well. But at times, I have missed the scenery for the purpose.
I coached Brock in youth sports. I certainly wasn’t an over the top dad, and we had a blast with him and his teams. I do remember; however, getting too wrapped up in the performance of the day or game.
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When it came time for middle school, Brock went out for football and basketball. After one basketball game he came home and was hesitant to talk about the game. It wasn’t one of his best performances.
It hit me like a 2x4 over the head. This was a time to be a source of encouragement, respite and growth. I stopped and shared these words with Brock, and have strived to help him close the gap every day since by saying… “Brock I love to watch you play and compete. As your dad, all I care about is your heart and your faith. Those are the things that last.”
Immediately I saw a huge weight lifted off of Brock.
I believe, as influencers and leaders, we far too often mistake our expectations as a value of worth. By doing so, we actually widen the Potential Gap.
To be fully transparent, my writing today is not for you to think I’m a Super Dad, because I am not. But, I do want you to see the power of words in action.
Every time Dena and I connect with Brock prior to or after a game, test or performance, we tell him we love to see him play, experience success or close his gap on his potential.
This has changed everything for him and especially us.
He knows we have high expectations, and that we want him to do his best in everything, but his worth isn’t based on the number of touchdowns, test scores, or behavior choices.
We have seen him thrive.
When we take on a role of influence, we have a set of expectations for which we must hold ourselves and those we influence accountable. As we do this it is important to reassure those we hold accountable, including ourselves, that “
Keeping the Main Thing is the Main Thing.”
Don’t let the journey be lost or unappreciated for the drive of the destination.
If you want the best out of people, set the expectation, but also don’t get lost in the ups and downs, the highs and lows of learning and growing. That’s what real success is all about.
“I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.”
– Louisa May Alcott
There will come a moment when you will be walking someone out of the tunnel, pushing someone out of the nest…one last time, and what will last a lifetime isn’t the score or the title they have, but what you did to help them close their Potential Gap.
Be a gap closer for those you influence, not a gap widener.
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“We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.”
– Mother Teresa
Brock ended his Senior year with over 20 scholarship offers to play collegiate football. He played for a year, but found his passion in the Business School at the University of Oklahoma. He has shared with me the difference that conversation way back in 7th grade has made. I’m so thankful I swallowed my pride and connected with him that day. It closed the gap for both of us.
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Is there someone you need to close the gap for?
Sometimes we have to swallow our pride and be willing to close that gap in our own lives in order to impact the ones around us who need our help to close their gaps.
Be courageous and make The Main Thing...The Main Thing.
I am honored to serve as your Superintendent and Lovejoy teammate! We are One Heart. One Lovejoy.
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This past Friday evening the Lovejoy Leopards Varsity Football team won their home game against Frisco Lebanon Trail. It was the annual Pink Out Game and the Cheerleaders and Junior Leopard Cheerleaders were awesome!
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The Woodhaven Wranglers joined us in the Pink Out celebration.
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Our singing Leopards performed on Monday evening. Their Fall concert was absolutely amazing!
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Our Superintendent’s PTA Presidents meeting was this week. We worked through the Board of Trustees Board Priority #1 and specifically focused on how to better make the Graduate Profile real and relevant for all students, staff, teachers, parents and community. We had amazing conversations.
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Talk about some incredible students! I was inspired by the AP European History Class and their assignment which was based on inquiry and system accountability. It was awesome to debate, discuss and connect. Special thanks to their teacher, Homa Lewis, for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of this class project.
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Yesterday I had an incredible meeting with Collin County Judge Chris Hill. I loved sharing the Lovejoy story and excitement for what the future holds with Judge Hill.
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Every day is a great day in Lovejoy! I love seeing our Leopard pride on the water tower each morning as I arrive to begin a new day. This sunrise is a great reminder of continued new beginnings with Lovejoy’s brightest days ahead.
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Here are a few of my favorite pictures of the week:
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Lovejoy Band Takes First at the Wylie Marching Invitational
The Lovejoy Band competed at the Wylie Marching Invitational this past weekend. The band placed first in 5A and second overall in prelims, winning the music caption in 5A and the overall visual caption for the entire contest. In finals that evening, the LHS band was named Grand Champion out of all 6A and 5A bands competing in the competition.
Special thanks to Melissa Smith for the great photos:
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Choir Students Audition for Region 25 Choir
The LHS Choir had a number of students audition for the Region 25 Choir on Saturday. This was the first round of auditions on the road to All-State. Our region is known as one of the most competitive in Texas, so this is a great honor for these students. The 12 students who earned a place in the Region Mixed Choir will also advance to the next round of auditions in November. Congratulations to our Singing Leopards!
Mixed Choir
Aidan Abramson
Colette Brooks
Caroline Dobbs
Cy Feagin
Stephen Godfrey
Marissa Liebl
Andrew Mao
Claire McLaren
Mikayla Slatten
Paige White
Luke Wild
Nathan York
Treble Choir
Katelyn Andrzjewski
Tessa Blasko
Kyra Jacobs
Kynan Lowrance
Elle Mendelson
9/10 Honor Choir
Will Craft
Samuel Fowler
Daniel Lamping
Geneva Miller
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Leopard Tennis
Congratulations to our Lovejoy Leopard Tennis Team. They are the undefeated District Champions!
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Apply Now for Leadership Lovejoy
The Lovejoy Independent School District is pleased to announce the application process for Leadership Lovejoy. This program provides an opportunity for participants to learn the history of Lovejoy, as well as educational practices, programs, and philosophy of Lovejoy ISD. Additionally, Leadership Lovejoy members will provide feedback, ask questions, and share ideas for district improvement. Meetings will be held once per month from October – April from 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM.
Applications should be submitted by Tuesday, October 15.
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Running Over Depression – Senior Project
Please join us for the 4th Annual Running Over Depression Run on Saturday, November 16th at Lovejoy High School. The 1K Fun Run will begin at 8:00 AM and the 5K Run will begin at 8:30 AM at Lovejoy Leopard Stadium. Running Over Depression is an event being organized by Lovejoy Seniors Zane Edwards, Shalin Mehta, and Thomas Michal for their Senior Projects. The goal of this run is to raise awareness about teenage depression and suicide prevention. All proceeds from the run will be donated to The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. To register please
CLICK HERE.
If your business is interested in sponsoring Running Over Depression please email
[email protected].
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Safety and Security Training
Lovejoy ISD is offering “Stop the Bleed” and “Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events” trainings during the month of November. You are invited to join us for this training which is applicable and practical for all community members.
Stop the Bleed
November 19, 2019
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Lovejoy High School Lecture Hall
Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events
November 21, 2019
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Lovejoy High School Lecture Hall
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The
Lovejoy ISD Community News Page
includes news from our schools, programs, booster clubs, student organizations, Foundation for Lovejoy Schools, community, and more. Check back often for up-to-date news on events and activities.
This Week's News:
Apply Now for Leadership Lovejoy!
Senior Judges Needed!
Register Now! 10th Annual Turkey Chess Tournament
Varsity Football Tickets Available Through School Store
Parking Information for Home Football Games
2019-2020 PTA Reflections Contest – Look Within
Majestics Fundraiser
Homecoming Mums and Garters
On Sale at Lovejoy High School through October 15
City of Lucas Farmers Market
Choir Fundraiser
Majestics Fundraiser
When Life Gives You Lemons Fundraiser
Foundation for Lovejoy Schools Men’s Tailgate Party and Cornhole Tournament
Taste of Fairview Benefiting the Foundation for Lovejoy Schools
Red Ribbon Night at Allen Americans
Lovejoy Professional Network Charity Benefit Golf Tournament
Senior Project!
Boys Wrestling Camp
STEM Design Your World Conference for Girls
Senior Project!
Girls Wrestling Camp
Senior Project!
Running Over Depression
Safety and Security Training
Leopard Baseball Buddy League
Mountain Bike Team
Lovejoy High School Cheer Fundraiser
Holiday Poinsettias for Sale
Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bell Run
News from Collin College
For the latest Athletic News, download the "Lovejoy Leopards Athletics" app.
For the latest Fine Arts News, follow
@LovejoyArts on Twitter, or like them on Facebook at Lovejoy Arts.
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We hope you will join us tonight for Thursday Night Lights as we cheer on our Leopard Football team as they compete against Frisco Reedy at Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is at 5:30 PM. Join us as we celebrate our football team, Lovejoy Band, Color Guard, Majestics and Cheerleaders. Leopard fans may
click here to access the
bag policy for Memorial Stadium.
Lovejoy ISD will be closed on Friday and Monday for our Fall Break. We send our very best wishes to you and your family for a safe and happy long weekend! We look forward to welcoming our students and staff back to school on Tuesday!
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Michael Goddard, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Lovejoy Independent School District
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Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
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